What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be among the most stressful experiences you have. Things could get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to be in a panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly will usually result in finding the most important element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are the most frequently misplaced objects. It can happen to anyone, whether you're on an errand, distracted while getting out of your vehicle or at home rushing to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. If you've lost keys to your car There are a few things you can try before calling a locksmith help.
The first step is to retrace your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last saw your keys, and where you went afterwards. It can also be helpful to record your steps, so that you can refer back to them in the future.
If you've tried searching in obvious locations but can't locate your keys you may have to look in other places. Check the pockets or bags you've been wearing throughout the day, as well as your house. Remember that your keys are probably somewhere nearby - just not in the place you'd expect. You can also find your keys by looking around other items they are usually paired with like the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried all the options and still can't find your keys, it may be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. Before you call a locksmith, make sure you follow these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing again.
2. Find an extra key
It's not unusual for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats or couch cushions just by themselves. It was once easy to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. With the introduction of key fob technology it is now much more difficult to replace lost keys.
It's ideal to keep a spare key on hand. You won't have to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily get your vehicle back if you lose your key. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than the usual keychain so it's not as easily misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, consider making one to decrease the possibility of losing your keys.
You can usually have an old-fashioned car key made at a locksmith or at a dealership, depending on the model of your car. However, it is important to remember that the dealer might need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
A lot of modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car with a remote control. If you lose the fob your only option is to go to the locksmith or dealer to have them match the replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit of placing your keys in the exact same spot each when you return home. replace lost car key can place your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. It doesn't matter if you dropped them in the rush to leave the house, or your little ones hid them under the couch for a game of hide-andseek and then lost your keys to your car can make you feel frantic and overwhelmed.
Panicking won't solve your problem and could make it worse. Try to remain calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys as fast as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last time you were when you last saw them. Examine all of your pockets and bags in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also repeat the steps you took to determine whether they were found other than your pocket. You could also examine your car, but you will have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior.
If you have searched everywhere else but still can't find your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll have to open and shut both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where tiny objects might be hiding.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another effective way to ensure you don't lose keys. This makes it easier to find keys because they're more noticeable and are longer. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright shade so that they are visible against other items in your handbag or pocket.
4. Call the Police
It's obvious that the first thing you should do when you lose your car keys is to contact the police. Notifying the police of your keys missing from your car immediately is essential to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone using your car or even getting into your home. The early reporting of your loss can also be beneficial in terms of insurance coverage since most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from the dealership.
They'll be able to inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they've been taken when you call them. They'll also advise you on the steps you can take. If your keys aren't discovered, they'll likely ask you to provide information about the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior the incident occurred.
If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't operate electronically the first thing you should do is to check your bags, pockets, and wherever else you typically carry them. Once you've done this then go back through your day and try to remember the place you lost the keys. You might have dropped them on a table or in your bag while reaching for something.
This can only be done by a dealer if you have a transponder that works electronically. This can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the brand and model. You can also call GEICO for emergency roadside assistance that is available 24/7 through the GEICO app. This service will save you money and time by delivering an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Call for a locksmith
When you're running errands and you put your keys to your car in the trunk for a moment and they'll disappear. This scenario is frequent, considering that keys are the most misplaced item in the United States1. It's impossible to stop this from happening constantly. You can, however, take steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
The use of a spare key may help, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could aid in finding your keys should they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal of your lost keys which makes it easier to find.
If you can't locate your car keys you should call locksmiths to come out and replace them. If you have evidence of ownership, for example the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith can create a key for you.
The classic keys are most simple to replace. If you own a remote key fob, or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to have one made. You can also buy replacement keys on the internet. But make sure you verify that the key can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful however it doesn't have to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Be sure to remain calm and don't get stressed! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not the only one Every car owner loses keys at some time or another.